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Board of Trustees

Board Description

The Board of Trustees is elected by the congregation to provide leadership in ensuring that VUU fulfills its mission, while acting as responsible stewards of the congregation's resources. The Board sets the overall vision for VUU, and facilitates progress toward that vision through our linkages with the staff, committees and the entire congregation.

VUU is governed by a 7-person Board of Trustees, elected for two-year terms, with a maximum of 6 consecutive years. In 2005, VUU adopted a version of policy-centered governance based on the model being used by several dozen other UU congregations.

Since that time, VUU has modified its Board Policy to adapt to our own particular circumstances, while staying true to basic principles of good governance. If you want to know the process for determining if an issue is Board business or Executive Team business, click here

Important VUU Board Information

Board Vision

"On the path to greatness, changing lives, enriching people, and reaching out to others."

Board of Trustees 2013-2014

David Sheh, President
Duke Mertz, Vice-President
Jim Krawarik-Graham, Secretary
Melissa Bush, Trustee
Barbara Face, Trustee
John Fretz, Trustee
Rob Smith, Trustee

Board Goals 2012-2013

  1. Compile information on policy models and organizational structure of other congregations of like size or larger, in and out of the UUA!
  2. Develop a comprehensive annual planning cycle
  3. Review VUU appeals process and explore possibilities of an ombudsman program
  4. Conduct full-on review of Bylaws and Board Policy

Board/Minister Covenant

United in our calling to serve the mission of the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, we the Minister and Members of the Board of Trustees covenant with one another to:

  • Advance the Mission and Serve the Congregation
    • Work together in a spirit of trust and mutual respect
    • Accept differences in leadership styles, and opinions

  • Build a Supportive, Non-anxious, Positive Culture
    • Employ active listening
    • Use open, honest, direct and positive communication
    • Believe in the best intentions of all
    • Model these behaviors for the rest of the organization

  • Encourage Innovation
    • Create the space for new and challenging ideas
    • Encourage responsible risk taking
    • Give one another permission to make mistakes

  • Maintain “Right Relationships”
    • Accept disagreements and conflicts as natural, and even healthy
    • Work through these challenges together as they arise
    • Protect our own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others
    • Speak with one voice once decisions have been made

How Does the Board Set the Meeting Agenda?

  • The draft Board agenda is posted on this web page seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting.
  • Anyone wishing to place a new item on the agenda or to extensively address one of the scheduled items, must make that request to the Board President in advance of the meeting (usually 3-4 days).
  • Click here for rules on Consent Agenda items.
  • Click here to see next meeting agenda.

How Does a Board Meeting Operate?

  • The draft Board agenda will be posted on the VUU.org website 72 hours in advance of the meeting (usually held on the third Tuesday of each month). Anyone wishing to ensure a new item on the agenda or to extensively address one of the scheduled items must make that request to the Board President in advance of the meeting, in most cases 4 days ahead of time.
  • Board meetings begin at 6:30pm with a 15 minute Congregational Comment period, when anyone from the congregation may speak to the Board about anything. Please check our on line calendar to verify dates and times.
  • Board meetings are always open; visitors are welcome anytime unless an Executive Session is declared to discuss a confidential issue. The Board will welcome brief comments from visitors on any agenda topic.
  • All Board members and visitors are requested to honor the Congregational Behavioral and Board Covenants. These Covenants are available on the Website and are posted in the Boardroom. Anyone who feels that these guidelines are not being followed is encouraged to address the situation immediately when it occurs

Who Do I Talk To If I Have A Question, Idea, or Issue?

  • Contact the President or other Board members to discuss your idea, question or concern.
  • The President or Board members will help direct you to the right shared ministry for an answer if appropriate.
  • If necessary, the issue may be placed on the agenda for an upcoming Board meeting.
  • If you cannot speak to the President or Board Member directly, you can contact them via email by clicking here.

How Are Board Activities Recorded and Communicated?

  • Board meeting minutes are recorded by the Secretary and approved versions are placed on this website and accessible from this page by clicking here.
  • All meeting minutes posted on the public web site have been redacted: full names are not used to protect privacy.
  • Non-redacted copies are on file in the congregation office.
  • Archives of meeting minutes are kept for many years and are also available from this page.
  • The Board President writes a column called Board Bits in every monthly newsletter.